The UAE National Election Committee in its fourth meeting discussed new mechanisms to be followed in the voting process and other activities during the next Federal National Council elections in line with the decision of the government to provide smart services that meet the needs of the citizens.

The meeting chaired by H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Elections Commission, also discussed the formation of working groups as well as the media and advertising plan for the elections.

Addressing the meeting, H.E. DrGargash said: “The National Election Committee is keen to keep pace with technological advancements that contribute to the development of the electoral process and offer convenience to the voters. The committee is committed to achieve the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE to make use of new technologies to optimize service delivery and make the UAE a leading nation in all areas of government activity to achieve the UAE Vision 2021.”

Describing the FNC elections as an important step towards instilling a culture of political development among members of the community, H.E. DrGargash said: “The FNC elections represent the practical application of the empowerment program launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The electoral process therefore contributes to the process of political empowerment of the citizens by providing them an opportunity to elect their representatives who can convey their concerns to the government and find appropriate solutions to their problems.”

Underlining the distinct role of the electoral experience in expanding the political process in the UAE, H.E. DrGargashsaid it has helped in the creation of laws and regulations to support the development needs of the country and achieve excellence in all areas of activity on regional as well as international levels.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Madfa, Secretary-General for the Supreme Council of the Union in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; H.E. Sultan Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice; H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; and H.E. Dr. Ali Mohammad Al Khouri , Director General of the Emirates Identity Authority.

The meeting also saw the participation of H.E. Lieutenant General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, H.E. Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, H.E. Dr. Saeed Mohammed Al Ghafli, Assistant Undersecretary for Federal National Council Affairs in the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, H.E. Ahmed bin Shabib Al Zahry Director General of Zayed Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works,H.E. Chancellor Ahmed Mohammed Al Khatri Director of Ras Al Khaimah Courts, and H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Shamsi Deputy Director of the University of Paris Sorbonne.